aristotle
SPNer
Despite their important implications for interpersonal behaviors and relations, cognitive abilities have been largely ignored as explanations of prejudice.
The researchers proposed and tested mediation models in which lower cognitive ability predicts greater prejudice, an effect mediated through the endorsement of right-wing ideologies (social conservatism, right-wing authoritarianism) and low levels of contact with out-groups.
In an analysis of two large-scale, nationally representative United Kingdom data sets (N = 15,874), it was found that lower general intelligence (g) in childhood predicts greater racism in adulthood, and this effect was largely mediated via conservative ideology.
A secondary analysis of a U.S. data set confirmed a predictive effect of poor abstract-reasoning skills on antihomosexual prejudice, a relation partially mediated by both authoritarianism and low levels of intergroup contact. All analyses controlled for education and socioeconomic status.
The results suggest that cognitive abilities play a critical, albeit underappreciated, role in prejudice. Consequently, the researchers recommend a heightened focus on cognitive ability in research on prejudice and a better integration of cognitive ability into prejudice models.
(Source: http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/01/04/0956797611421206.abstract)
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We all sort of knew that lack of information and contact with people who are different from ourselves contributed to racism and stereotyping. Now we know why some people are able to overcome the limitations of their upbringing and others never do. They only become more wound up in their bigotry. Nothing anyone can say makes a difference.
